Tiles

When planning a tiling project, selecting the right materials, colours and tools is crucial for a successful outcome. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or hiring a professional, knowing what you need and how to handle it makes all the difference in achieving a beautiful, lasting result.

 

What materials can tiles be made from?

Tiles come in different materials, each with unique benefits:

• Ceramic tiles: Made from clay, ceramic tiles are versatile and used for walls, floors and countertops. They come in many colours and patterns, are affordable and easy to install.
• Glass tiles: Known for their shiny, modern look, glass tiles are great for backsplashes and decorative accents.
• Porcelain tiles: Made from refined clay and fired at high temperatures, porcelain tiles are dense and very durable. They resist moisture and wear, making them perfect for high traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
• Stone tiles: Made from natural stone like marble, granite, slate and limestone, stone tiles offer unique patterns and a luxurious look. They are durable and often used for floors and walls, but they may need more maintenance than their ceramic counterparts.
• Vinyl tiles: Vinyl tiles are affordable and versatile. They come in styles that mimic wood, stone and ceramic tiles. Vinyl is water-resistant, durable and easy to install, making it a good choice for flooring in both bathrooms and kitchens.

 

What colour tiles will work best in my home?

When choosing tile colours for your interior, think about the overall look, natural light and the mood you want to create.

Neutral shades like grey, beige, brown, cream, and white are versatile and timeless. Grey and light grey give a sleek, modern look, ideal for kitchens and bathrooms, while beige and brown create a warm, inviting atmosphere for living rooms and bedrooms.

Bold and vibrant shades add personality and depth. Blue tiles evoke tranquillity, with light blues perfect for bathrooms and dark blues for living areas. Green tiles, from sage to emerald, offer a calming feel, great for kitchens and bathrooms. Red and pink add warmth and energy, ideal for accent walls. Terracotta and orange create a warm, Mediterranean vibe, suitable for kitchens, dining areas and outdoor spaces.

Metallic and reflective shades like brass, bronze, chrome, clear, copper, silver, stainless steel and rose gold add unique accents. Chrome and stainless steel are perfect for contemporary designs, especially in kitchens.

To mix and match, pair vibrant tiles like blue or green with neutrals for a balanced look. Black and white tiles can create classic patterns like herringbone or checkerboard. Use bold colours or metallics on a feature wall to make it a focal point, while keeping the rest of the space neutral. Combining natural tones like terracotta with metallic accents gives a rustic yet modern look.

 

What tools are needed to complete a tiling job?

To complete a tiling job, you’ll need several essential tools. A tile cutter is crucial for cutting tiles to fit your space, while tile nippers are helpful for trimming and shaping tiles, especially around edges and corners. Tile spacers are important for ensuring even gaps between tiles, which is necessary for proper grout application. You'll also need tile adhesive to bond the tiles to the surface and tile grout to fill the gaps between them and seal the installation.

A notched trowel helps spread the adhesive evenly, while a level ensures that your tiles are installed straight and even. A rubber mallet is useful for gently tapping tiles into place without damaging them. Finally, you'll also want a sponge to clean off any excess grout from the tiles, and tile trims to finish the edges neatly and cover any gaps. 

 

Can you drill into tile?

Yes, you can drill into tile, but it requires extra care to avoid cracking the tiles. Use a drill with adjustable speed and ideally a diamond-tipped drill bit designed for tile. Before drilling, apply masking tape to the tile to prevent the drill bit from slipping. It can also help to create a small indentation with a nail punch to guide the drill bit accurately. Proceed slowly and steadily to avoid overheating the tile and causing damage.